When an impatient MSU instructor kicked James Renuk out of his COM 101 class 32 years ago for his inability to speak, it prompted John Eulenberg to develop a technological system that would help his situation.

Since birth, Renuk has had cerebral palsy, which restricts most of his speech and movement. But the Artificial Language Laboratory, which Eulenberg directs, gave him and others the opportunity to speak and interact in other ways. The lab created a talking computer for Renuk that is mounted on his wheelchair and speaks what he types on the keypad.

That computer became a prototype for later models in use by people around the world.

"The first practical thing done with speech prosthesis was actually to order a pizza in 1974," Eulenberg said. A person Eulenberg worked with had a condition that restricted his speech and mouth movements, and he'd never ordered a pizza before.

"We called up Domino's, but they kept hanging up on us. They thought it was a joke," Eulenberg said. "We finally found a place, Mr. Mike's Pizza, who took the time to listen. They called back to confirm the order afterward. That was history, the first time it had ever been done."

The talking computer allowed users to communicate with others much quicker than they were used to doing.

"When I saw that a computer could provide a voice output from text, I thought that was a wonderful technology to help develop," Eulenberg said.

With the help of the talking computer, Renuk has obtained bachelor's degrees in human nutrition and food science, and a master's degree in exercise physiology.

He was never asked to leave a classroom again.

He also was the first person to give testimony in Congress for the Joint Committee on Science and Technology using a talking computer device.

Although he's not an athlete, Renuk has found a way to get involved in the fitness world as an IM-sports coordinator.

"He writes exercise programs for students and athletes, and especially focuses on kids with disabilities and injuries," laboratory technical director Steve Blosser said.

"He helps with the training and preparation for competitions and the general overcoming of injuries and disabilities. He helps by outlining exercise programs and diets to assist them in improving themselves."

Renuk has traveled across the United States with the laboratory staff to share his message.

"He's shown the world that you can't let a disability stand in your way," said Joseph Appelget, assistive technology specialist for the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. "Just because one can't speak or walk doesn't mean you can't do something useful with your life. He is the most inspirational individual I have ever worked with."

Many people with disabilities don't see hope for their futures and simply accept their lives the way they are, Eulenberg said, but some look to change them.

"Jim has determination, and he doesn't give up," Eulenberg said. "Many other people in his situation have just accepted the status quo, figured they don't have an opportunity for achievement and give up. Jim Renuk doesn't give up. He gives people hope."

Eulenberg felt the effects of not being able to communicate easily with those closest to him.

"It was very frustrating when my father couldn't speak, suffering from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. I thought this technology could really change the lives of many people," Eulenberg said.

The laboratory, founded in 1972, also uses these input methods to develop interactive computer games for people who cannot operate standard game controllers. Many people with disabilities find it impossible to operate a traditional mouse and keyboard, Eulenberg said.

The staff takes an individual's specific disabilities into account, catering the controls of the game to the person's most active body part, such as the blinking of eyes, the waving of fingers or the wiggling of feet.

JOng, created after the game Pong, can be controlled by a tiny machine that detects the smallest movements, called a SCATIR switch. Timed eye blinks move the ball through the blocked maze.

However, Renuk said the funding for creating computers and technological software, including games, isn't exactly at the top of the priority list for most research organizations.

"People, governments or whoever do not see the need to do this research," Renuk said in a written statement. "Perhaps we need more Blossers and Eulenbergs around."

The laboratory has directly worked with about 1,500 people with disabilities. It developed Stevie Wonder's first talking and singing computer in 1975 and looks to work with him again on new musical technology.

The laboratory has worked with people with visual and hearing impairments, strokes, multiple sclerosis, closed head injuries and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

"People have come to MSU to find solutions," Blosser said. "They've gone everywhere else and couldn't find anything. When they come here, there are off-the-shelf solutions for them. We are answering their prayers."

The next big project for the laboratory staff is an updated version of the talking computer they created years ago.

"Many of the people we work with are dying," Eulenberg said. "But that doesn't mean they are dead yet. They have every right to live the best life possible."

Sean Ely can be reached at elysean@msu.edu.